3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheeler is ideal for off-roading and taking on terrains, from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They are also easier to maneuver on kerbs, and they are less prone to slipping down when in comparison to 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers while with her newborn and three year old daughter, putting it through its paces on the tarmac and on tricky ground. You can read her full review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a center of gravity that's balanced by weight of your child's seat, buggies with four wheels are generally considered to be more stable than 3-wheelers. However, that doesn't mean a three-wheel buggy isn't worth a look, since many of them are built to withstand anything from rough terrain to busy high-streets.
For a buggy that's really easy to maneuver and won't be a problem on bumpy pavements, look for one with big rear wheels and a lockable front wheel. These buggies for all-terrain use also have pneumatic tires, which are perfect for handling non-paved surfaces. They are able to be used even on sandy beaches and tracks in woodlands.
They are also the best buggies to be jogging with, as they provide great stability over rougher ground and help you keep up with your jogging partner. They can also be used to go up and down steep kerbs, and many come with a built-in spring suspension so your child will enjoy a smooth ride.
A stroller with 3 wheels can be a challenge to maneuver because of its wide frame. It is more difficult to maneuver through doorways and narrow spaces than a 4-wheeler. However some manufacturers have solved this issue by implementing clever design that lets the wheels flip up when not being used, which reduces their overall size and allows you get through doors without difficulty.
If so, check for a lie-flat position and if the design is compatible with second seats and buggy boards (if you'd like to add the toddler). Check if the buggy has an option to lie flat and if it is compatible with a second seat and buggy boards, if you are planning to bring an infant along. A lot of 3-wheelers fold flat and be stood upright when collapsed which is useful if you have a an insufficient car boot or only a little storage space at home. However, some will require you to take out the front wheel when folding if you wish to fit into even more compact spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies are more maneuverable than four-wheeled strollers. They typically come with a swivelling front wheel that lets you shift direction quickly and steer with only one hand. Some also have a lockable front wheel which gives you stability on rougher terrain. Some models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board, if you plan to expand your family.
If you're considering taking your three-wheeled bike off the roads, you should consider choosing one that has tyres with air in them (also known as pneumatic tyres) that can withstand the most challenging terrain. These tyres will need periodic pumping, but will be far more durable than tyres made of solid rubber and more likely to be puncture-proof. It is recommended to choose one with an swiveling front wheel that is locked to help you navigate tricky surfaces.
A single front wheel can also be a reason that three-wheelers tend to be bulkier than four-wheeled buggies when folded. Check that the model you select can fit in the boot of your car and can be positioned upright if required. Some models can fold in one hand, and they're freestanding when collapsed, which can make them more compact in boot spaces that are smaller.
A good 3 wheel pushchair can cope with any terrain, from busy streets to tracks through woodlands. It is important to consider the way you'll use it every day. If you will be making the school run using it, it should be able handle sharp slopes and kerbs. If you'll be running on it, ensure it has an adjustable swivelling'stretch' lockable front wheel to ensure that the ride is safe.
Kath who is an MFM reviewer, found that her stroller with three wheels was able to handle both urban and walks in the countryside. Kath said it was able to negotiate cobbles, rough paths and bumpy pavements with ease and was comfortable while jogging. It is also a good option for day trips since it offers plenty of storage space. This includes an ample, spacious zip-top basket that is covered and an extended, 50+ UV hood. It can be adapted to meet the needs of babies from birth, with the option of a carry cot or a lying-flat seats. It is also compatible with the most popular second seats and stroller boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary difference between a fabric sling and a modular seat is that the fabric sling fits in the frame of the buggy rather than being positioned on top like a modular seat. This makes it easier to maintain an ergonomically appropriate position for the baby, leading to a lower center of gravity at just the right height. This leads to a smoother push, a lighter curb-pop (you do not have to exert as much effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and improved balance and stability.
These seats also come with sling fabrics that are easy to clean and durable. These fabrics were specifically designed for sling chairs and are extremely UV resistant and air-tight. These fabrics are also very easy to maintain with mild soap and warm water.
If you are a jogger, or you like off-roading, an all-terrain buggy is more suited to your requirements than a four-wheeled buggy. These styles generally have a larger, more stable base and use air-filled tyres for agile smooth movement on rough ground.
A brand best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a new 3-wheeler to its line-up with the Stella. This stroller is all-terrain and has a spacious and large travel system seat unit which can be positioned either parent or world facing. It also reclines flat and has an upgraded 5-point safety belt. It can be used from birth using a carrycot or car seat and comes with a generously large shopping basket and hood with zip pockets, and a convenient one-hand fold.
For the most discerning buggy owners this luxury 3 wheeler is as stunning to look at as it is to operate. The angular frame is finished in an eye-catching pewter black, with hints of burnished silver aluminium throughout making it a complete WOW factor. This is a fantastic choice for parents who are active. 3 wheel strollers comes with a large, padded seat which can be set either in the direction of the parent or facing the world. It also has an improved 5-point harness and a set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating offers an array of configurations that can be adapted to different seating requirements. Whether it's a cozy setup to watch films or a large arrangement to entertain guests, modular seating is able to adjust easily. Many modular seating systems have removable cushions making it simple to clean spills or stain.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with existing decor or be a standout as an accent piece. You can pick from a variety of colors, fabrics, and shapes to create a modular seating that suits your personal style. Various functional features are also available in modular seating like hidden storage compartments that allow for easy organization and decluttering of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies offer more stability than 4-wheel strollers, making them ideal for off-road or all-terrain adventures. The large, extremely maneuverable front wheel allows for a quick and smooth movement, whilst the tyres are typically air filled and have suspension, providing an excellent ride on the most difficult roads and trails. They're also great for walking up hills as the wheels aren't as close to ground as they are on four wheel pushchairs.
Parents who like to run and jog with their children usually opt for strollers with three wheels because they are more agile and sleeker than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example features a sleek, burnished silver aluminum frame, which has a quick one-hand fold and forward and rear facing seats, while the Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot that has a the ability to lie flat in full with air-filled tyres as well as three recline positions.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another fantastic all-terrain choice. It's extremely light and extremely maneuverable, as well as fashionable. This is a buggy that will truly protect your wallet from the future and will take you from the moment you are born with the carrycot, all the way to toddlerhood with the seat that is modular (and beyond!). It all fits within the footprint of one buggy.
Duet(tm) is an side-by-side buggy that's compact enough for city life but is also a bit more innovative and controlled. It has an exclusive fabric sling seat that's positioned in a comfortable frame at the perfect height for perfect weight distribution for easy rolling over kerbs, and for navigating neighborhoods and cities.